What can I do as a customer @ a Ford dealership for warranty repairs taking 4-6 weeks?

[phoop007]

Hello! I have a 18GT 10r80

Well, the 20k 10r80 finally broke. Before I was thinking the tranny just needed a reset, the TSB repair, etc. I continued to drive it as the dealer gave me a 4-6 week timeline just to look at the car. I went to two other surrounding dealers, same story. The car will now not shift normally, and I find it dangerous to drive on the highway as it now lurches and boggs. I was always easy on this car. Took it back to the Ford dealer. Same story, 4-6 weeks for diagnosis.

I have a pickup, but it literally will not fit in the parking garages at my school/work. That was the point of the mustang, as I daily drive it (only 3 miles a day, more for leisure on weekends).

Obviously, as a daily driver, someone can't wait 4-6 weeks to have their car looked at. If I had a choice, my local repair shop could look at it today, but it's not a Ford dealer. What options do I have at this point? My dealer does not offer loaner cars, they laughed when I asked, because they claim they dont have loaners for the waiting period for diagnosis, and they refer customers to rental agencies that charge full rates for rentals. They refuse to make me an appointment to bring the car in for the diagnosis. It feels like im stuck with $50,000 paperweight, and I will have to forfeit it to the dealership to sit outside in the elements for 30+ days, just to be "in line" for a diagnosis.

They claim it has nothing to do with part availability, covid, or the holidays. Purely the surge in service customers. I feel like I don't want to buy another Ford again.

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[Firsttexan]

Hello! I have a 18GT 10r80

Well, the 20k 10r80 finally broke. Before I was thinking the tranny just needed a reset, the TSB repair, etc. I continued to drive it as the dealer gave me a 4-6 week timeline just to look at the car. I went to two other surrounding dealers, same story. The car will now not shift normally, and I find it dangerous to drive on the highway as it now lurches and boggs. I was always easy on this car. Took it back to the Ford dealer. Same story, 4-6 weeks for diagnosis.

I have a pickup, but it literally will not fit in the parking garages at my school/work. That was the point of the mustang, as I daily drive it (only 3 miles a day, more for leisure on weekends).

Obviously, as a daily driver, someone can't wait 4-6 weeks to have their car looked at. If I had a choice, my local repair shop could look at it today, but it's not a Ford dealer. What options do I have at this point? My dealer does not offer loaner cars, they laughed when I asked, because they claim they dont have loaners for the waiting period for diagnosis, and they refer customers to rental agencies that charge full rates for rentals. They refuse to make me an appointment to bring the car in for the diagnosis. It feels like im stuck with $50,000 paperweight, and I will have to forfeit it to the dealership to sit outside in the elements for 30+ days, just to be "in line" for a diagnosis.

They claim it has nothing to do with part availability, covid, or the holidays. Purely the surge in service customers. I feel like I don't want to buy another Ford again.

Which dealer? Russell Smith Ford took care of things on a normal basis for me. But that was last month. Try Mcree Ford in Clear Lake. They have a huge shop.

Whether admitted or not. The biggest problem here in Houston is everyone is sick. Even the lube center near me was closed today. Saturday is their big money day. I just spent the last 8 days with Omicron. Back to normal.

Be patient. Seems like they were upfront with you. Make an appointment and park it.

The story is no different with other brands. Maybe worse.

Time for a monthly rental. Oh ya! Those are insanely priced now.

 

[bridge4d]

Try Cook Ford in Texas City. I take my Ford's there and they're always able to work me in when needed. They tend to operate more like a small town dealer and might be able to get you in quicker. McRee's wait the last time I checked was several weeks and I haven't really had much luck working with them outside an oil-change at the QuickLane in their parking lot.

 

[re-rx7]

I’m a service mgr at a ford dealership. I can tell you the surge in people is real and the deal is real it’s unfortunate but not the dealers fault. Shortages on techs and people being sick are killing us.

 

[Ock]

My car has been at dealer since 9/21/21. Replacement engine been there since 1/4. When you figure it out please let me know.

 

[Crowd Hunter]

I would tell the dealer you need a rental car.

 

[ice445]

I’m a service mgr at a ford dealership. I can tell you the surge in people is real and the deal is real it’s unfortunate but not the dealers fault. Shortages on techs and people being sick are killing us.

Are the cars from the last two years that dogshit that they're coming in left and right for warranty repairs? Or is it just more customer pay stuff since people are opting to repair their existing cars instead of overpaying for a new one?

I get the tech shortage and part shortages are exacerbating it, but I'm curious as to why the volume of service customers has increased.

 

[re-rx7]

Are the cars from the last two years that dogshit that they're coming in left and right for warranty repairs? Or is it just more customer pay stuff since people are opting to repair their existing cars instead of overpaying for a new one?

I get the tech shortage and part shortages are exacerbating it, but I'm curious as to why the volume of service customers has increased.

I’d honestly say it is the shortage/price of cars avail for sale. People are keeping vehicles longer and are willing to pay for more expensive repairs than before. It’s the perfect storm. Ford has been sending out more recalls than usual but most are software oriented so I can really say that’s a problem.

 

[Ock]

I would tell the dealer you need a rental car.

i got a rental for mine, were at 4k in rental fees for mine...

 

[EFI]

I would tell the dealer you need a rental car.

In his post, he mentions already asking for a loaner and getting denied. The dealer is under no obligation to give you a loaner everytime your car breaks down unless a warranty repair is approved.

 

[Firsttexan]

Are the cars from the last two years that dogshit that they're coming in left and right for warranty repairs? Or is it just more customer pay stuff since people are opting to repair their existing cars instead of overpaying for a new one?

I get the tech shortage and part shortages are exacerbating it, but I'm curious as to why the volume of service customers has increased.

Because people are getting back to their normal lives en masse. Same reason other types of shortages are happening all over.
Then throw in 40% infected with the much more infectious but less deadly Omicron.

Ya we even have a member here that's a Ford Service Manager saying pretty much the same thing.

Also January is one of my biggest months. Same for the rest of the car business. I guess it's because everybody wants everything in order for the new year.

There was no back up at my dealer in December. My car was in and out. Now they are booked weeks out.

Not a mystery to me.

 

[food_fanaticz]

I think there was another thread about the longest people have had to wait for their cars to be repaired...these wait times of weeks make me nervous, not to mention months I've heard. I daily mine and is my only car, it has only 1300 miles on it so knock on wood no issues but yah hearing these stories makes me go sorry you're all going through these waits and I hope I never have to be in that situation

 

[Firsttexan]

I think there was another thread about the longest people have had to wait for their cars to be repaired...these wait times of weeks make me nervous, not to mention months I've heard. I daily mine and is my only car, it has only 1300 miles on it so knock on wood no issues but yah hearing these stories makes me go sorry you're all going through these waits and I hope I never have to be in that situation

Just make an appointment. I would not leave my car the dealership for months.
Even if I had to use a wrecker to get it there and back.

 

[njweatherman]

You can try calling FORD and getting a customer experience specialist to escalate the matter for you.

What drive mode are you using? Does it happen with everyone of them?
Try normal mode.

 

[2016S550]

1. A rental or loaner is usually provided AFTER a warranty issue has been approved. The OP is just waiting to have the car diagnosed based on my limited comprehension. From what I recall those here posting that they were given rentals have their car in for repair and have been diagnosed as warranty claims.

2. Why does the OP have to leave his car at the dealership when this is for a diagnostic appointment, not a approved warranty repair? Again, may be a reading comprehension issue on my part.

If the car is broken and not drive-able I would rather have it broken at my home rather than getting bird poop on it and door dings at the dealer. Its an appointment right? Towing costs I assume

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